Repository: McCain Library and Archives, The University
of Southern Mississippi.

Creator:
Johnson, Isaac and Brookes, Samuel

Collection
Number: M431

Title:
Johnson (Isaac) Affidavit of Slave Ownership

Dates:
1801 July 17

Quantity:
1 item

Abstract:
A legal document regarding ownership of a female slave in Adams County,
Mississippi Territory.

Historical Sketch

Isaac Johnson was born in Liverpool, England, the son of an Episcopalian
minister. As a young adult, he arrived in Florida to work as a merchant,
and in 1777 he received 1000 acres from a British land grant in West Florida.
After establishing himself in Adams County, Mississippi Territory, Johnson
married Mary Routh, and they had twelve children. Through the years, he
significantly increased his property holdings. He was an early alcalde
(mayor) in his region, when the Spanish assumed rule, following the withdrawal
of the British. After holding office, Johnson relocated to Troy Plantation
near St. Francisville, Louisiana. The Spanish census of 1792 lists his
address as “Second and Sandy Creek.” He died in 1805. Interestingly,
his grandson, also named Isaac Johnson, served as governor of Louisiana.

Samuel Brookes (or
Brooks) was a magistrate in the Mississippi Territory.

Thomas Patterson,
along with his brother Edward, owned large tracts of property in Adams
County, Mississippi Territory, near Fairchild Creek, which formed the
county’s northeastern border with Jefferson County. According to
the Spanish census of 1792, their grandfather was Robert Abrams who resided
at “Sandy and Second Creek.”

This document is the
sworn affidavit of Isaac Johnson, as recorded by Samuel Brookes. The central
issue is ownership of a female slave named Jin, or Jane. Isaac Johnson
gave a deposition stating that his neighbor, Robert Abrams, had claimed
that the woman was the property of his grandson, Thomas Patterson. The
affidavit is signed by Isaac Johnson, in the presence of Adams County
magistrate, Samuel Brookes.